LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael B. Powers, Esq. upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by
the Clarence Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael B. Powers, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Chamber's
Annual Awards Dinner, to be held on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at
Samuel's Grande Manor; and
WHEREAS, A life long resident of Clarence, New York, Michael B. Powers
attended St. Bonaventure University and graduated first in his class
from Western New England College School of Law in 1982; he is a member
of the law firm, Phillips Lytle; and
WHEREAS, Michael B. Powers has been attorney for over 30 years and a
partner at Phillips Lytle since 1988; for several years, he has been
listed in the prestigious THE BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA, AMERICA'S TOP
LAWYERS, BEST LAWYERS IN NEW YORK, UPSTATE NEW YORK SUPER LAWYERS list
and BUSINESS FIRST'S "Who's Who In The Law"; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, Michael B. Powers became Clarence Town Justice; in
that role, he created the Clarence Driving School, the Clarence Communi-
ty Service Program and the Clarence Drug Court; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Michael B. Powers has created a Clarence Youth
Court that will allow young people to help their peers avoid substance
abuse and criminal behavior at an earlier point in their lives; and
WHEREAS, Michael B. Powers helped reestablish the Clarence Little
League Football program in 1993; he is also a founding member of the
Clarence Recreation Advisory Committee and, in that role, helped acquire
the land and establish the Clarence Memorial Park; and
WHEREAS, A founding member of the Clarence Greenprint Land Conserva-
tion Project, which has acquired and protected 1,315 acres of land in
the town that will remain forever green; Michael B. Powers and his law
firm, Phillips Lytle, also created the not-for-profit organization
"Remember Flight 3407, Inc."; and
WHEREAS, Among his many awards and honors, Michael B. Powers is the
recipient of the Clarence Friend of Youth Award in 2011; he has also
been honored with St. Bonaventure University's Gaudete Medal, an honor
given to a community leader who has inspired others through his personal
and professional life; and
WHEREAS, Michael B. Powers has served on the Board of Directors of the
Make-A-Wish Foundation, the YMCA of Western New York and the MS Society;
he has also received the Leadership Buffalo Values Award for Leadership
Impact; the Make-A-Wish Shooting Star Award and Working for Downtown
Award for long term commitment to Downtown Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Michael B. Powers has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Michael B. Powers has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael B. Powers, Esq. upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael B. Powers.